North Yorkshire protesters challenge asylum seeker housing costs at former RAF base

A local campaign group in North Yorkshire is protesting the government's plan to house 1,200 asylum seekers at the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse military base. The Linton-on-Ouse Action Group claims that the cost of refitting the disused base with necessary water, electric, and sewage infrastructure could result in taxpayer expenses of approximately £500 per night per person.

The group argues this figure is significantly higher than the current average cost of housing migrants in hotels and far exceeds the £23.25 allocated for traditional accommodation. They estimate the total cost could exceed £400 million over the project's three-year duration. Protesters have also raised concerns regarding the disproportionate impact on the village, which has a population of roughly 700 people.

The controversy comes as the government seeks to eliminate the use of asylum hotels by 2029. Critics have highlighted a perceived contradiction between the high costs of asylum accommodation and the government's efforts to address domestic homelessness, noting recent funding pledges intended to reduce rough sleeping.